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Transit Strike Averted But Talks Continue in California

BART and its unions continued talking late into the night Tuesday as both sides struggled to find agreement on a new contract - but they declared there will not be a strike Wednesday and trains will run as usual.

October 16, 2013

BART and its unions continued talking late into the night Tuesday as both sides struggled to find agreement on a new contract - but they declared there will not be a strike Wednesday and trains will run as usual.

Federal mediator George Cohen emerged from the Caltrans headquarters in Oakland at 10:20 p.m. to say "bargaining continues taking place," and that because of that, on behalf of both sides "and in support of public interests and all the riders of this area, there will be train service all day tomorrow."

He then added, "We are devoting all our efforts to achieve this agreement," and went back inside without taking questions.

Union leaders and BART managers also refused to elaborate on details of the negotiations past promises of no strike on Wednesday.